Apr 14, 2011

Chairman Israel Announces DCCC Cuts Its Debt by 60% in First Quarter

Setting DCCC records and blowing past aggressive goals, Chairman Steve Israel announced today that the DCCC has paid off 60 percent of its 2010 cycle debt – from $19.5 million in January to $8 million in March – and raised $19.6 million in the first quarter.  This is the strongest off-year first quarter in DCCC history.

“Republicans’ radical agenda to end Medicare and play chicken with a government shutdown, while protecting taxpayer giveaways for Big Oil, is turning off independent voters and energizing our Democratic supporters,” said DCCC Chairman Steve Israel.  “As a result, the DCCC is back on sound financial footing and aggressively focused on holding Republicans accountable for their radical agenda.” 

The DCCC’s record breaking first quarter fundraising is the result of the Republicans’ radical agenda; a surge in grassroots, individual, and Member support; and Leader Nancy Pelosi and Chairman Steve Israel’s aggressive travel schedule. 

In March 2011, the DCCC raised more than $1.2 million from online grassroots supporters, compared to less than $350,000 in March 2009.  On March 31, the final day of the first quarter, the DCCC received the most online contributions in its history.  On April 8, the day Republicans nearly shut down the government to pursue their radical social agenda, DCCC supporters responded loudly with the second most online contributions ever.

Record levels of Member participation and engagement are a large part of the DCCC’s success this quarter.  In the first quarter, Members contributed more money than this time last cycle.  Leader Nancy Pelosi and Chairman Steve Israel have an extraordinarily aggressive travel schedule to meet with supporters, and the entire leadership team and Caucus are working hard to make the Republican Majority the shortest in history. 

Voters have buyer’s remorse.  In a recent CNN poll, House Republicans’ disapproval rating is 64 percent.  And according to Stan Greenberg’s Battleground survey, support of Republicans in 25 top battleground districts has fallen nine points since Election Day. Yesterday, Public Policy Polling found that, “after a little more than 3 months in charge House Republicans have fallen so far out of favor with the American public that it's entirely possible Democrats could take control of the House back next year.”

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